At a minimum, each PATON must be verified every three years to be sure it conforms to the position and characteristics described in its USCG permit. Checking all these PATONs is an operational mission performed by Auxiliarists who have qualified as Aids to Navigation Verifiers (AVs).
BOSN4 Emmanuel Zambrana, ATON Officer at SECLIS, emphasizes the high level of training and professionalism that AV-qualified Auxiliarist must maintain. Each report submitted by an AV is used as the basis for any needed follow-up with PATON owners and becomes part of the legal record for the PATON. The AV’s report must be accurate and complete!
L-R BOSN4 Emmanuel Zamabrana, SECLIS ATON Officer; Christine Howe, SO-NS; CDR Maureen Johnson, SECLIS Prevention Department Chief.